One of the few good things that came from my recent work trips to Chicago was a discovery of what has become my favorite, favorite soup. Wikipedia tells me that the common name is incorrect: Celery Root Soup is properly called Celeriac Soup.

Come to find out, the main ingredient isn’t really celery, it’s a cousin of celery called celeriac. It’s commonly grown in Europe and Africa … and you should find some at your well-stocked local grocery.

I asked Velda to re-create what I found at the South Water Kitchen in Chicago, and she’s improved upon my memory. This is a wonderful soup.

Velda commented that the immersion blender that she bought when she began making this soup was the best kitchen tool she’s purchased. And, BELIEVE ME, her cupboards are stuffed with kitchen gadgets. If she says her immersion blender is a good tool, I’d pay attention.